One Thing

My husband's intro into the world of live musical entertainment was through the wholesome Amy Grant when he was a young teen. Because I am a little saucier, my first concert was an ear-splitting arena full of tween fans of Tiffany and New Kids on the Block. Our trio experienced their first concert this week that seemed to be a bridging of the gap--Kristian Stanfill and the Passion Tour. It was a very loud arena full of trendy college kids and worship music.

Because it was a school night, we did not get to stay for the entire concert--but I hope I never forget the experience of incredible praise & worship with our children piled in our laps. We left early but our finale was an amazing rendition of "One Thing Remains."

Having been in a season of simplicity, motivated by efforts to just boil things down, the idea of 'one thing' resonated with me.

I realized years ago while working on my testimony that while childhoods are absolutely vital, foundational years most adults end up summarizing them in a mere phrase. "I grew up in a ___________ home..." or "My parents taught me ________________."

Forget the checklists and the volumes of parenting wisdom. If there were just ONE THING that my children leave our home knowing fully what would I want that to be?

And the words of this song spoke:



Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains

Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me.

On and on and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never ever have to be afraid
One thing remains

In death, in life, I'm confident and covered by the power of your great love
My debt is paid there's nothing that can separate my heart from your great love

Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me.

And that's it. It sounds overly simplistic I suppose, but really, what if only one thing remained in the hearts and minds of the folks we are called to launch into the world...wouldn't that be it? His (and our) unconditional love?

What would lives look like that rested in that one truth?

And so, in my off key voice (that was cracking a little from my choked back tears) I sang it in their little ears.

And it reminded me a lot of the journey of parenting. I am not the best vocalist, but I have a message for them--and it is the MESSAGE, not this weary messenger that is what it is all about.